Wayne was born on August 11, 1955, to John William Tatum and Jean Ann White Tatum. A lifelong resident of Madison, he spent his life doing what he loved — working the land. He poured his heart into every crop he planted, every field he tended, and every harvest he brought in. Soybeans, corn, and hay weren’t just crops to him — they were a way of life. He found peace in the quiet evenings, riding through the fields and watching them grow, season after season. Wayne was a true farmer through and through, with a sharp eye for business. He was always buying and selling — whatever the land or the market called for — and he had a way of making a deal with both wisdom and grace. He served his community with humility and strength, including roles as President of the Madison Farm Bureau and the Orange-Madison Co-op, and as a board member on numerous local organizations. In his younger years, he supported his family through farming, trapping, and hard work — with a passion for golf, travel, hunting, trapping, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. 

Wayne also served on the Board of Elders at Walker’s Chapel, where his steadfast faith was evident to all who knew him. In the final year of his life, at age 69, he made a public profession of his faith and was baptized — a powerful testimony of his love and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. His family takes great comfort in knowing he is now healed, whole, and walking with Jesus in glory.

Wayne was married to the love of his life, Terri Lynn Tatum, whom he affectionately called “Terr,” on August 12, 1977. Together they built a home filled with laughter, grit, and unconditional love. He was the proud father of three children: Stacie Lynn Tatum (Timothy Breeden), Wendy Marie Tatum Carannante (Maurizio Carannante), and Stephen Wayne Tatum (Libby Tatum).

Wayne also cherished his grandchildren: Sierra Coleman (Chris Ramey) and their daughter Miley Ramey, Hayley Coleman, and Jayden Coleman; Hannah Carannante and Antonio Carannante; and Channing Tatum and Cameron Tatum.

He is survived by his mother, Jean Tatum; his brother Johnny Tatum Jr.; and his sister Donna Aylor. He was preceded in death by his father, John William Tatum; his sister-in-law Sandra Tatum; and brother-in-law Ronnie Aylor. His extended family and countless friends will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on what would have been his 70th birthday, August 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Renback Barn in Madison, Virginia, with Pastor Jeremiah Pent officiating. All who knew and loved Wayne are warmly invited to join in remembering a life well lived and a man deeply loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, Walker’s Chapel in Madison, VA, or Mountain View Chapel in Rochelle, VA, in honor of Wayne’s life and faith.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Lori Duggins, for the loving care she gave. They are also deeply thankful to Hospice of the Piedmont and to all the friends, neighbors, and extended family who offered love and support along the way.

Wayne’s legacy of strength, service, faith, and love will live on through all who were blessed to know him.